Blue Jays' John Schneider Delivers Addison Barger Update Before Twins Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 30, 2026 7:01 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have been playing shorthanded throughout the entire month of April, and one of the biggest absences has been right fielder Addison Barger. The 26-year-old has not suited up in weeks after suffering a left ankle sprain while running out a ground ball in early April during a game against the Chicago White Sox.

He was transferred to the 10-day injured list shortly after, leaving a clear hole in the outfield. Barger struggled early this season, but he appeared in only eight games, far too small a sample to judge.

His 2025 breakout remains the better indicator of his ability, when he hit .243 with a .301 on-base percentage, .756 OPS, 21 home runs and 74 RBIs while helping Toronto reach the World Series.

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Addison Barger (47)Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

If the Blue Jays want to make another deep run this year, they will need Barger back in the lineup. Fortunately for Toronto, he has continued to make steady progress in his recovery.

Barger has participated in baseball activities for the past two weeks and recently advanced to running, the biggest hurdle given the nature of his ankle injury. Ahead of Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, manager John Schneider outlined the next steps.

Schneider announced that Barger will begin a rehab assignment on Sunday with Low-A Dunedin. The Blue Jays do not yet know how many games he will need, but his return could come during the team’s next homestand, which begins next Friday (h/t Shi Davidi of Sportsnet).

Addison Barger will run the bases tomorrow and then play for low-A Dunedin on Sunday, said manager John Schneider. Could be two, three games, depends on what he needs. A return to Blue Jays next homestand is possible.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) April 30, 2026

Barger’s eventual return comes at an important time for a Blue Jays team finally starting to build momentum. Toronto enters Thursday with a losing record, but the club has won seven of its last 10 games and is beginning to stabilize after a difficult start.

When Barger is ready, he figures to slot right back into an everyday role as he looks to build on last year’s breakout. The Blue Jays will hope he avoids any setbacks, but getting Barger back healthy would be a major boost for a roster that is only now beginning to return to full strength.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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